[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are strong patient advocates. They protect the health and rights of their patients daily. But beyond patient advocacy, nurses can rally on behalf of other nurses and healthcare providers. As a nurse, you can take simple steps to affect real change in your institution, community, or state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Nursing is not only on the front lines of a global pandemic, but they are also on the front lines of systemic wounds affecting the health of patients each and every day,” says Kelsey Noah, BSN, RN, CCRN, an adult intensive care unit nurse in Saint Paul, Minnesota.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are key advocates for changes as they have a unique insight and perspective on healthcare. Here are 15 ways that nurses and [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/”]nurse educators[/hen-ui-link] can impact healthcare legislation and support local organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]The Importance of Activism as a Nurse[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are eyewitnesses to the devastating limitations in healthcare. This includes patients who are unable to afford healthcare and medications.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”It is imperative that nurses band together to advocate for our patient’s healthcare needs, and that includes the reforms needed to improve our healthcare system,” Noah says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses have been on the front lines of healthcare for decades. They see firsthand the tragedies that result from inequity. One study found that while nurses are more likely to vote, they are not likely to engage in other political activities. Yet, nurses are in a position to bring to light discrimination, bias, and poor healthcare that can drive change.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ class=”text-secondary”]15 Ways Nurses and Nurse Educators Can Make a Difference[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Legislative decisions affect each person. The small efforts of many nurses can produce a change for patients, the healthcare working environment, and staff shortages.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several reasons there is limited political participation from the nursing profession. Many are unaware of the steps they can take to affect change. Others may feel they have inadequate skills or little opportunity to engage in a push for change. Unfortunately, most nursing programs offer limited formal education in political nurse activism.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]However, nurses are vital to developing policies that impact their work environment and patient outcomes. Nurses are the largest medical profession. They could be leading the way to redesign healthcare by influencing policy at the local and state levels.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Public demonstrations are a key way any activist group can bring attention to an issue or cause. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursesagainstviolence.org/united-nurses-march”]United Nurses March[/hen-ui-link], scheduled for May 12, 2022, is an opportunity for nurses to demonstrate and gather in support of other nurses. The Nurses Against Violence website explains more about the cause and how to get involved.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to public demonstrations like marches, consider these 15 ways to become politically involved in creating change in your institution and community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]1. First and Foremost: Get Informed[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]It’s nearly impossible to be an effective advocate for change if you aren’t informed. Healthcare issues can be confusing, even for those who work in healthcare. There are many sides to each issue, so it’s important to seek resources to understand the issue before getting started.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Gaining multiple perspectives is important to having more conversations regarding healthcare reform and fosters interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle this issue,” Noah advises.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare is a multidisciplinary team approach to caring for patient issues. Reforming the system requires an “all-hands-on-deck” approach to use the expertise and advocacy of your colleagues.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Conversations with fellow nurses and other healthcare professionals can spark the desire for activism in others.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]2. Get Involved in State and Local Professional Nursing Organizations[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]National, state, and local [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//professional-nursing-associations/”]nursing professional organizations[/hen-ui-link] often have sections dedicated to political nurse activism. They have lobbyists who work with legislatures to educate them on the issues important to healthcare.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//taking-advantage-of-nursing-organizations/”]taking advantage of a professional nursing organization[/hen-ui-link] at your local, state, or federal level and then get involved in the process. Many times it doesn’t take hours of your time and effort. You may be asked your opinion on matters about bedside nursing or to contact your state or federal legislator.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Nurses Association (ANA) president encourages nurses to become politically active. He advises nurses to join a professional organization, minority organization, nursing board, or advocate through the ANA.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]He stresses that when nurses are not lending their voice to organizations making policies, the non-nurse members will make the decisions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]3. Get Involved in the Policy Process[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When nurses understand how the system works and what strategies are effective, they can influence policy. Getting involved in the process can be as simple as writing an email or making a phone call. It can also include:[/hen-ui-text]

• Testifying before committees
• Participating in policy boards
• Even running for office

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the gold standard is evidence-based science, don’t underestimate the power of a personal story. Nurse activism begins by working together to create a unified voice. You can work toward a good working relationship with elected officials through your professional organizations.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Noah encourages nurses to write to state representatives and advocate for policy decisions that can lower healthcare costs or widen the scope for nurse practitioners, for example. These efforts allow for increased freedom of choice and reduce barriers for patients to access care.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]4. Nurses Can Intern With Elected Officials[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One of the best ways to influence policy and politics is through relationships. A simple way to develop a relationship with your elected officials is to do an internship in their office.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in politics as a nurse, interning with elected officials offers you a unique, inside view of how the political office works. It also allows you to contribute to matters involving healthcare personally.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In the U.S. Congress, interns can serve temporarily in the House or Senate, usually without pay. Individual offices make their own rules and guidelines for interns if they have an internship program.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most states have internship programs with its state congress or the secretary of state, such as this one [hen-ui-link href=”http://www.ohiosos.gov/secretary-office/employment/internships”]from Ohio[/hen-ui-link]. You may also contact your federal, state, or local government officials to ask about an internship or volunteer position in their local office.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]5. Donate to Causes Advocating for Healthcare Reform[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Financial donations to support nurses is one way to contribute to patient-centered healthcare policies. You may think that your small donation won’t make a difference, but your dollars go a long way when many nurses each contribute.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”It can be overwhelming to find ways to contribute to healthcare reform,” Noah says. “But start small and recognize the ability to improve healthcare in this country is a marathon, not a sprint.”[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Donating to a nursing organization is one option to place financial support. Most will have a department dedicated to nursing activism at the state or federal level to ensure that nurses are heard when healthcare policies are considered.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3”]6. If You Have Power in Your Position, Use It [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider the position you hold in your community or your workplace. You likely have more nursing leadership skills, power, or influence than you imagine. Influence comes from [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//networking-in-nursing/”]networking with nurses[/hen-ui-link] and other healthcare professionals.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare reform develops from the involvement of people at the local, state, and federal levels. Once you take the time to educate and involve them in the process, professionals within healthcare organizations and nursing schools can advocate for change on nurse-led advisory boards or even on social media.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]7. When Advocating, Focus on Key Issues[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When you are a [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-advocate/how-to-become/”]nurse advocate[/hen-ui-link] for change in the healthcare system, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with all the important issues that need attention. It is most effective when you focus on key issues that have a trickle-down effect on the remaining issues.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, advocating for improved clinical conditions and staffing ratios also impacts:[/hen-ui-text]

• Patient outcomes
• Nursing workplace violence
• [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//nurse-burnout/”]Nursing burnout[/hen-ui-link]

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other key issues impacting healthcare are higher pay for nurse educators and smaller teacher-to-student ratios. These changes can improve the quality of education and the skills of a nursing graduate.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]8. Start a Business to Reform a Needed Portion of Healthcare[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses are exposed to various areas within healthcare that need reform to improve healthcare delivery. Nurses are also independent thinkers and innovators.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Consider becoming a [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nurse-entrepreneur-ideas//”]nurse entrepreneur[/hen-ui-link] and starting your own business to help make changes in healthcare. Your innovation may spread across the country to impact each county and state.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gail Trauco is an [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/oncology-nurse/how-to-become/”]oncology nurse[/hen-ui-link] and pharmaceutical trials expert with four decades of experience helping patients navigate the healthcare system. She started her business, The PharmaKon LLC, to increase access to healthcare and meet vulnerable populations’ needs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The PharmaKon LLC is a nationwide mobile nursing service which brings clinical trials to study subjects. Study subjects can complete study assessments in their home and schedule telehealth visits to see a virtual nurse or other healthcare worker. A courier service picks up lab samples for delivery to local hospital labs or airport drop-off for shipment.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Patients participating with The PharmaKon no longer need to miss valuable work time, worry over childcare, or miss visits due to transportation issues. Patients in rural and marginalized communities have access to innovative clinical trials for healthcare through Trauco’s business.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”It’s an entirely new era of hybrid mobile nurses to support clinical trials,” Trauco says.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Trauco’s nursing experience gave her an invaluable position for innovative thinking and entrepreneurial solutions. Nurses can use their experience to address specific issues and create positive change as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]9. Veteran Nurses Can Become Nurse Educators[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experienced registered nurses (RNs) can be strong teachers and [hen-ui-link href=”/resources//the-importance-of-mentorship-in-nursing/”]nurse mentors[/hen-ui-link] for nursing candidates. Attracting veteran nurses to nurse educator roles arms aspiring nurses with the tools needed to advocate and pursue healthcare change.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/articles/nursing-educators-navigate-the-nursing-shortage/”]Nurse educators are facing several challenges[/hen-ui-link], including a faculty and [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/the-us-nursing-shortage-state-by-state-breakdown//”]nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link]. Offering higher pay for nurse educators and smaller teacher-to-student ratios may help attract seasoned clinicians. As of January 2022, the average nurse educator [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Nurse_Educator/Salary”]base salary is $78,070[/hen-ui-link], which is much lower than the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Advanced_Registered_Nurse_Practitioner_(ARNP)/Salary”]average salary[/hen-ui-link] of an advanced practice registered nurse — $99,720. An advanced practice nurse may work with a master’s degree, but most educators hold a [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/dnp//”]doctoral degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] or nursing education.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anne Dabrow Woods, chief nurse at Wolters Kluwer, Health, Learning, Research, and Practice, says we must be innovative in attracting veteran nurses to consider becoming nurse educators.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Besides addressing nurse educator [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/nurse-educator/salary/”]salary[/hen-ui-link], we need to encourage nurses with master’s and doctoral degrees to consider becoming adjunct faculty or full-time faculty,” says Dabrow Woods.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]10. Embrace Innovation and Technology in Classrooms[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Innovation and creativity are driving forces in healthcare and education. Nurse educators must embrace technological advancements, which allows programs to accommodate more students. Arming nurses with these skills helps to produce practice-ready nurses.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Integrating technology can reduce the number of nurses accessing education, which can help staff-to-patient ratios, patient outcomes, and staff stress and burnout.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]11. Advocate for Adjunct Faculty Training Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Adjunct faculty make up the majority of teachers in colleges and universities nationwide. They are contract employees who often receive less compensation than full-time instructors.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Dabrow Woods recommends healthcare systems partner with academic centers to develop adjunct faculty training programs.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This partnership would benefit both the healthcare organization and the college. They might help address the faculty shortage and raise the number of experienced clinicians in faculty roles.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Additionally, healthcare-school partnerships support the program’s ability to admit more students and maintain favorable faculty-student ratios. In turn, the program can produce qualified nurses, which impacts the nurse-to-patient ratio in the hospital. It may also be one [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/proven-strategies-to-survive-the-nursing-shortage-2022/”]strategy to survive the nursing shortage[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]12. Support Building Scholarships To Increase Diversity[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/why-representation-matters-in-nursing/”]Representation in nursing and healthcare[/hen-ui-link] is lacking, and this impacts access to mentorship, leadership roles, and negatively affects patient care. Promoting and supporting a diverse nursing staff leads to greater creativity in developing policies that influence change in the organization and beyond.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nursing administration and executives can actively support local nursing organizations and foundations to support [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/resources/financial-aid/financial-aid-for-marginalized-students/”]financial aid for marginalized students[/hen-ui-link] in the profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]13. Support Nursing Programs at Community Colleges [/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Healthcare organizations and nurses can help support the development and funding of nursing programs at community colleges. They may offer administrative support and support within the community.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community colleges are often centrally located within communities. This increases the opportunity for students who may not otherwise have the chance to attend college to improve their life circumstances while adding to the healthcare profession.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Community colleges can also outreach to high schools, so that [hen-ui-link href=”/articles/ways-high-school-students-can-prepare-for-a-career-in-nursing/”]high school students can prepare for a nursing career[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Having access to [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/entry-level-nursing-paths/”]entry-level nursing[/hen-ui-link] jobs helps open the door for more nurses to enter the field. Additionally, nurses can advocate for state legislators to provide increased funding to community colleges to support higher salaries for nurse educators as well.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]14. Lobby in Favor of Expansion of LPN/LVN and ADN Nursing Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Advocating for patients of color as a nurse and diversity and access to educational opportunities are important issues that need addressing in the healthcare system. Nurses and other healthcare professionals care for a diverse patient population, and studies have shown that representation among healthcare providers saves lives.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Data suggest that Black patients requested more preventive care when their physician was Black. In fact, Black newborns cared for by Black physicians experienced a 40% lower mortality penalty than Black infants receiving care from white physicians.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) and [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/adn/”]associate degree in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (ADN) programs are more racially and ethnically diverse than [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/bsn/”]bachelor of science in nursing[/hen-ui-link] (BSN) programs. By expanding the LPN/LVN and ADN programs, nurses have a more significant opportunity to enter the healthcare field.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]LPNs may work while advancing their education through RN-to-BSN [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing-bridge-programs/”]bridge programs[/hen-ui-link] or [hen-ui-link href=”/registered-nursing/best-online-lpn-to-rn-programs/”]LPN-to-RN programs[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]15. Advocate for Nurses on Local News Outlets, Podcasts, or Social Media[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social media, such as the #Asanurse campaign, can help bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the general public.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While you may not think of yourself as a speaker, it’s important to remember that, as a nurse, you are an expert when you know more than your audience.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You are the expert at the bedside, and after several years of experience, you are the expert in how the nursing staff function in the hospital. You can advocate for nursing through:[/hen-ui-text]

• Interviews on local news stations or podcasts
• Starting your own social media campaign
• Collaborate with your local nursing organization to advocate for healthcare reform

[hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While it is impossible for one person to take on all 15 suggestions, it is possible to take on one or two that fit your interests and capacity levels.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If every nurse helped through donations, writing emails, making phone calls, and promoting nurse activism to their colleagues, positive change would be inevitable.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Meet Our Contributors[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Gail Trauco, RN, BSN-OCN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1637692237/experts/Gail_Trauco.jpg” img-alt=”Gail Trauco, RN, BSN-OCN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]As a registered [hen-ui-link href=”/careers/oncology-nurse/”]oncology nurse[/hen-ui-link], pharmaceutical trials expert, and long-time patient advocate, Gail Trauco has spent four decades helping patients navigate the sea of red tape in the American healthcare system. As CEO of [hen-ui-link href=”https://thepharmakonllc.com/”]The PharmaKon LLC[/hen-ui-link], she is known for finding solutions when everyone else says there is no way. Her “Medical Bill 911″ book and online course are helping American consumers around the country get out of spiraling medical debt.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, FAAN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1604681785/experts/Anne_Dabrow_Woods.jpg” img-alt=”Anne Dabrow Woods, DNP, RN, CRNP, ANP-BC, AGACNP-BC, FAAN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/experts/anne-dabrow-woods”]Anne Dabrow Woods[/hen-ui-link] is the chief nurse at Wolters Kluwer, Health, Learning, Research and Practice. She drives the strategic development of evidence-based solutions for nurses and nursing institutions. A nurse for over 37 years and a nurse practitioner since 1998, Dabrow Woods currently practices as an acute care/critical care nurse practitioner at Penn Medicine, Chester County Hospital. She also teaches in the graduate nursing program at Drexel University as clinical adjunct faculty.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Dabrow Woods earned a bachelor’s from West Chester University, a master’s from LaSalle University, a postmaster’s certificate from Drexel University, and a doctor of nursing practice from Texas Christian University. She is also a fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”][hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Kelsey Noah, BSN, RN, CCRN” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/e_grayscale,c_fill,h_300,w_300,g_face/v1637692072/experts/Kelsey_Noah.jpg” img-alt=”Kelsey Noah, BSN, RN, CCRN” layout=”horizontal” background=”white” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight” class=”text-base”]Kelsey Noah is an adult ICU nurse in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Her specialty is cardiac and medical critical care patients. She also volunteers on the COVID-19 ICU ward. Noah has been at the bedside for eight years as an RN and is currently working toward her doctoral degree in nursing, specializing as a family nurse practitioner.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex]